Regulating-socket.



No. 799,530. PATENTED SEPT.12, 1905.

L. If. BOGIA, J3. REGULATING SOCKET.

APPLICATION IILED APR. 25, 1904.

' FIGEE 24 70 J0 whim.

I I III INVENTOR:

w I T N E s s E 5;

1011/5 F/m/vc/s 506/4 .16;

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

REGULATING-SOCKET.

Specification of Letters'Patent.

Patented Sept. 12, 1905.

Application filed April 25, 1904:. Serial No. 204,920-

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, LOUIS FRANCIS Boom, Jr., of Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Regulating-Sockets, whereof the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

My invention relates to electrical fittings designed for temporarily connecting a local circuit, including a lamp, motor, electrical heater, or similar device, with a line-circuit supplying current.

As hereinafter described, my invention is embodied in an outer casing resembling that of an ordinary incandescent-lamp socket and inclosing supply-line terminals and a receptacle containing local terminals fitted for detachable connection with the screw-plug of such a lamp. Said device is provided with an exterior operating-handle, which may be rotated like that employed in an ordinary lamp-socket, but is so constructed and arranged within said casing as to not only make and break the connections between the local circuit and the supply-line, but also to vary the extent of a resistance medium interposed between said supply-line and local circuit, and thus vary the amount of current transmitted to the local circuit and, for instance, vary the incandescence of a lamp attached to said receptacle.

My invention includes means to instantaneously effect the connection and disconnection of the local circuit by the rotation of said handle regardless of the speed of such rotation and improved means for securing the body and cap of the socket-casing in separable relation.

My invention also comprehends the various novel features of construction and arrangement hereinafter more definitely specified and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure I is a sectional view of a socket conveniently embodyingmy invention and holding an ordinary incandescent lamp. Fig. II is a side elevation of the interior mechanism of said socket in the position shown in Fig. I. Fig. III is an elevation of the lefthand side of the insulating-frame which supports the resistance medium, as shown in section in Fig. I. Fig. IV is an elevation of the right-hand side of said frame, as shown in Fig. I. Fig. V is a sectional view taken on the line V V in Fig. I. FigVI is an end view of said insulatingframe and receptacle. Fig.VII is a sectional view of the insulating-frame and terminals, taken on. the line VII VII in Fig. II. Fig. VIII shows fragments of the casing body and cap and means for connecting them, supported by the insulating-lining. fragmentary sectional view taken on the line IX IX in Fig. IV. Fig. X is a face view of the sectoral contact-plate.

In said figures the outer shell or casing of the socket is conveniently formed of a cap 1 and body 2, having respective circumferential series of air-ports 3 and 4 in their cylindrical walls. The cap 1 is provided with the insulating-lining 5, having an aperture 6 in regis- Fig. IX isa try with the conductor inlet-boss 7 and hav ing the circumferential flange 8 engaging the shoulder 9 in said cap 1. The casing-body 2 is provided with the insulating-linings 11 and 12, respectively secured within the larger and smaller diameters thereof. The draft of air through the casing to cool its contents is facilitated by the flange 13, which extends above the shoulder 14 in opposition to the air-ports 4 and directs the air from said ports toward the ports 3.

As shown in Fig. V, the insulating-lining 11 is provided with nuts 15, secured in recesses 10 upon its opposite sides by inwardly-turned prongs 17, extending through said lining, which thus supports the set-screws 18, which are engaged in said nuts 15 and are adapted to detachably engage the bayonet-slots 20 in the cap 1 and the opposite bayonet-slots 21 in the body 2. In order to connect said cap, body, and lining, they are assembled in vertical alinement, as shown in Fig. VIII, then relatively rotated, so that the screws 18 are seated in the inner ends of the slots 20 and 21, and then said screws 18 are tightened to clamp said casing members and lining in stationary relation.

The cylindrical insulating-frame 22is conveniently formed of molded ceramic and supported at its lower end 23 upon the shoulder 14. in the lining 12, and its upper end 24 abuts against the flange 8 of the lining 5, and said frame is thus maintained in proper position in the socket-casing, with an air-space 25 surrounding it, as shown in Fig. V. The screwthreaded receptacle 26, carried by said frame 22, is adapted to receive the terminal plug 27 of the incandescent lamp 28 or any translating device comprising members 29 and 30, which respectively connect with said receptacle 26 and the spring 82, which constitute the local-circuit terminals of the socket. Said local terminal 32 is integral with the strip 33, which has inwardly-turned ends 34 and 35, respectively engaging the recesses 36 and 37 in the opposite ends 23 and 2 1 of said frame 22, as shown in Fig. VII, so as to secure said strip 33 in stationary relation therewith. As shown in Fig. VII, said strip 33 electrically connects the local terminal 32 with the supplyline-terminal binding-screw 10, by which the line conductor 41 is secured. The other line conductor 12 is secured by the line-terminal binding-screw 44., mounted in the plate 4E6, which latter, as shown in Figs. I and V, has bifurcated ends respectively secured in said frame 22 by screws 48 and 19. As shown in Figs. I and III, said screw 48 electrically connects the line circuit with the contactplate 50. As shown in Figs. III and X, said contactplate 50 comprises an incomplete annulus, which is seated in the circular recess 51 in the insulating-frame 22 and embraces an insulating bridge conveniently 7 formed of two oppositely-inclined projections 52 and 53 upon opposite sides of the depression 54:. The plate 50 and recess 51 are in concentric relation with the spindle 56, which is mounted to rotate in the bushing 57, which is split, as shown in Fig. VII, and driven in the cylindrical opening 58, extending through the frame 22. Said spindle 56 is also in concentric relation with the recess 60 in the opposite side of said frame 22, in which is seated a resistance medium forming an incomplete annulus 62, as shown in Figs. IV and VII. One end of said medium 62 is electrically connected by the screw 64: with the plate 65, and the latter is electrically connected by the screw 66 with the receptacle 26. The opposite side of said receptacle is secured to said frame 22 by the screw 68 engaging the nut 69. Said spindle 56 carries, local to said plate 50, the brush 71, (shown in section in Fig. I and in end view in Fig. 111,) comprising a sheet-metal spring secured at one end by a shoulder on said spindle 56 and having its free end returned over said spindle and provided with the contact-button 70.

The end of said brush 71 secured to said spindle 56 comprises opposed projections 7 3 and 7 4. (Best shown in Fig. III.) The helical spring 75, which is secured at one end by the screw 76, extending through said springbrush 71, encircles said spindle, as indicated in Fig. III, and has its free end extending radially through the shank 78 of the operating-handle 79 and between the opposed projections 7 3 and 7 4 on said brush. Said shank 78 is screw-threaded at its inner end in engagement with the spindle 56 and is capable of partial rotary movement therein, limited by the space between the projections 73 and 7 4:, which are alternately encountered by the free end of said spring 75 as said handle 79 is turned in one direction or the other. It is to be understood that said spring 75 tends to maintain said handle 79 and spindle 56 in relative position intermediate of their range of relative movement, and thus permits the snap action of said brush 71 in both directions, as hereinafter described. Said spindle 56 carries, local to said resistance medium 62, the spring contact-brush 81. (Shown in section in Fig. IX and in end view in Fig. IV.) Said brush is secured at one end to the collar 82, which is fitted to said spindle 56, and clamped thereon by the set-screw 83. (Shown in Figs. IV and IX.) The opposite free end of said spring-brush 81 is returned over said collar 82 and is provided with the contact-button 85, which traverses said resistance medium 62. As shown in Figs. I, IV, and VII, said frame 22 is provided with ribs 87 within the recess 60, forming an air space or spaces 88 between said frame 22 and said resistance medium 62, so that as the latter increases in temperature during operation a minimum amount of heat is transmitted therefrom to the frame 22, the greater portion thereof being dissipated by the circulation of air through the socket-casing between the ports 3 and 4.

The apparatus above described operates as follows: \Vhen the operating-hamlle 79 is turned at right angles to the position shown in the several figures, the local circuit is broken, the contact-brush button beingin registry with the depression 5% in the insulating bridge between the circumferential ends of the contact-plate 50. It being then desired to energize the lamp 28 at full incandescence, said handle 79 is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. III, with the result that the helical spring yields until its free end encounters the projection 7 1 on the contact-brush 71, which latter is then positively shifted, with its button 70 riding up the inclined projection 53 from the depression 54 in the insulating-bridge until the top of said incline is reached, whereupon said spring 75 snaps the brush 71 to the limit of its relative rotary movement with respect to the operating-handle 79 and brings the brush 71 instantaneously into contact with the plate 50, adjacent to the plate 65. Thereupon it being desired to dim or decrease the incandescence of the lamp 28, said handle 79 is rotated in the same direction (indicated by the arrow in Fig. III) to gradually include more and more of the insulating medium 62 in the circuit between the line-terminal 4A and the local-terminal receptacle 26 until the contactbutton 70 on the brush 71 encounters the inclined projection 52 on said insulating-bridge. Further rotation of the handle snaps the brush 71 away from the contact-plate 50 and into engagement with the depression 54 of the insulating-bridge. Of course the operatinghandle 79 may be turned in the reverse direction from the off to the on position, with the effect that the lamp is first energized to its least incandescence, which issubsequently increased as the brush traverses the resistance medium 62 toward the plate 65.

I do not desire to limit myself to the precise details of construction and arrangement herein described, as it is obvious that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the essential features of my invention.

I claii 1. Inasocket, the combination with a frame of insulating material having recesses in its opposite sides connected by an opening; lineterminals and local terminals supported by said frame; a contact-plate comprising an incomplete annulus seated in one of said recesses; an insulating-bridge between the circumferential ends of said plates; a resistance medium forming an incomplete annulus seated in the other of said recesses; a split bushing fitted in said opening; a spindle mounted to rotate in said bushing; contact-brushes carried by said spindle, arrangedto respectively traverse said contact-plate and said resistance medium; the brush local to said resistance medium comprising a collar fitted to said spindle and a sheet-metal spring secured at one end to said collar and having its free end returned over said collar; the brush local to said contact-plate comprising a collar fitted to said spindle and a sheet-metal spring secured at one end to said collar and. having its free end returned over said collar; a helical spring secured at one end to said brush, encircling said spindle and havingits free end radially disposed with respect to said spindle; projections on said brush opposed to the free end of said helical spring, arranged to limit its movement relative to said brush; and, an operating-handle engaging said free end of the helical spring; whereby, the extent of said resistance medium interposed between said line and local terminals may be varied, and said brushes be snapped to and from their operative position, substantially asset forth.

2. In a socket, the combination with a framev of insulating material having circular recesses concentrically disposed in its opposite sides; of line-terminals and local terminals supported by said frame; a contact-plate comprising an incomplete annulus seated in one of said recesses; an insulating-bridge between the circumferential ends ofv said plate, comprising oppositely-inclined projections on said frame; a resistance medium forming an incomplete annulus seated in the other of said recesses; a spindle mounted to rotate in said frame in concentric relation with said recesses; contact-brushes carried by said spindle, arranged to respectively traverse said contact-plate and said resistance medium; an operating-handle; means connecting said handle with said spindle permitting limited relative rotary movement thereof; a helical spring encircling said spindle, having one end secured to the brush local to said plate and having its free end extending through the shank of said handle; and, projections on said brush arranged to encounter the free end of said spring to limit the relative movement of said handle and spindle; whereby, the extent of said resistance medium interposed between said line and local terminals may be varied, and said brushes be snapped to and from their operative position, substantially as set forth.

3. In a socket, the combination with a frame of insulating material having recesses in its opposite sides; of lineterminals and local terminals supported by said frame; a contactplate comprising an incomplete ann ulus seated in one of said recesses; an insulating-bridge between the circumferential ends of said plate, comprising oppositely-inclined projections; a resistance medium forming an incomplete annulus seated in the other of said recesses;

means in said recess maintaining an air-space between said resistance medium and said frame; a spindle mounted to rotate in said frame in concentric relation with said recesses; contact-brushes carried by said spindle, arranged to respectively traverse said contact-plate and said resistance medium; an operating handle; means connecting said handle with said spindle; permitting limited relative rotary movement thereof; and, a spring connecting said handle with said spindle arranged to snap said brushes to and from their operative position; whereby the extent of said resistance medium interposed between said line and local terminals may be varied, and said brushes be snapped to and from their operative position, substantially as set forth.

L. In a socket, the combination with a frame; of insulating material having recesses in its opposite sides; of line-terminals and local terminals supported by said frame; a contact-plate comprising an incomplete annulus seated in one of said recesses; an insulating-bridge between the circumferential ends of said plate, comprising oppositely-inclined projections; a resistance medium forming an incomplete annulus seated in the other of said recesses; a spindle mounted to rotate in said frame in concentric relation with said recesses; contactbrushes carried by said spindle, arranged to respectively traverse said contact-plate and said resistance medium; an operating-handle; a shank connecting said handle with said spindle, permitting limited relative rotary movement thereof; and, a spring connecting said handle with said spindle, arranged to snap said brushes to and from their operative position, substantially as set forth.

5. In a socket, the combination with a cylindrical frame of insulating material having concentric circular recesses in its opposite sides, whose common axis is at right angles to the axis of said frame; of line-terminals and local terminals supported by said frame; a contact-plate comprising an incomplete annulus seated in one of said recesses; an insulatingbridge between the circumferential ends of said plate; a resistance medium forming an incomplete annulus seated in the other of said recesses; a spindle mounted to rotate in said frame in concentric relation with said recesses; contact-brushes carried by said spindle and arranged to respectively traverse said contactplate and said resistance medium; an operatinghandle; a shank connecting said handle with said spindle, permittinglimitcd relative rotary movement thereof; and, a spring connecting said handle with said spindle, tending to maintain them intermediate of their range of relative movement and arranged to snap said brushes to and from their operative position, substantially as set forth.

6. Inasocket, the combination with aframe of insulating material; of a spindle arranged to rotate in said frame; a contact-brush, comprising a sheet-metal spring secured at one end to said spindle and having its free end returned over said spindle; a helical spring secured at one end to said brush, encircling said spindle and having its free end radially disposed with respect to said spindle; projections on said brush opposed to the free end of said helical spring,*arranged to limit its movement relatively to said brush; and, an operatinghandle engaging said free end of the helical spring, substantially as set forth.

7. In a socket, the combination with a frame of insulating material; of a spindle arranged to rotate in said frame; and, a contact-brush, comprising a sheet-metal spring secured at one end to said spindle and having its free end returned over said spindle, substantially as set forth.

8. In a socket, the combination with a frame of insulating material; of line-terminals and local terminals, secured to said frame; means to make and break connection between said line-terminals and local terminals; a casing for said frame, comprising a separable body and cap each having a series of air-ports; an insulating-lining, comprisinga flange opposed to the ports in said body; and, means detachably connecting said body, cap and lining, substantially as set forth.

9. In a socket, the combination with aframe of insulating material; of line-terminals and local terminals secured to said frame; means ed by said second lining arranged to detachably connect said body and cap, substantially as set forth.

10. In a socket,the combination with a frame of insulating material; of line-terminals and local terminals secured to said frame; means to make and break connection between said line-terminals and local terminals; a casing for said frame, comprising a separable body and cap each having a series of air-ports; an insulating-lining, comprising a flange opposed to the ports in said body; and, an insulatinglining in said cap, comprisinga flangeengaging a shoulder in said cap, substantially as set forth.

11. In asocket,the combination with a frame of insulating material; of line-terminals and local terminals secured to said frame; means to make and break connection between said line-terminals and local terminals; a casing for said frame, comprising a separable body and cap each having a series of air-ports; an insulating-lining, comprising a flange opposed to the ports in said body; .an insulating-lining in said cap, comprising a flange engaging a shoulder in said cap; a second insulating-lining in said body; and, means supported by said second liningarranged to detachably connect said body and cap, substantially as set forth.

12. In a socket, the combination with a frame of insulating material having recesses in its opposite faces; of line-terminals and local terminals supported by said frame; a metallic strip carrying one of said line-terminals and one of said local terminals; and, flanges on said strip securing it to said frame by engagement in said recesses, substantially as set forth.

13. In a socket,the combination with a frame of insulating material comprisinga recess; of line-terminals and local terminals secured to said frame; a resistance medium forming an incomplete annulus seated in said recess; projections on said frame in said recess maintaining an air-space between said frame and said resistance medium; and, means supported by said frame, arranged to vary the extent of said resistance medium interposed between said line and local terminals, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this 22d day of April, 1904.

LOUIS FRANCIS BOGIA, JR.

Witnesses:

ARTHUR E. PAIGE, WM. F. STILZ.

IIO 

